London's 'oldest Irish pub' reopens in Fleet Street - The Tipperary

Having first opened at the beginning of the 17th century, a central London Irish pub has reopened after a three-year closure.

The Tipperary, in Fleet Street, is claimed by some to be the city's oldest Irish pub. It has welcomed customers back after repairs and preservation works.

The Tipperary first opened in 1605 as The Boar’s Head and was renamed after it was bought by Irish pub group JG Mooney and Co in the 1800s. The wood-panelled building is Grade II-listed and was bought by Greene King in the 1980s and was under private ownership for around a decade, before closing during the pandemic.

Property developer Dominus, which specialises in driving urban renewal, has led on the restorative works, with additions including a heritage-styled Guinness tap.

The City of London Corporation is working with businesses to turn the Square Mile into a "seven-day-a-week visitor destination", including negotiating with developers to provide new pubs in prominent locations.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation licensing committee James Tumbridge said: “The City of London is more than a place to work, it’s a place to socialise and build friendships. That is why protection of pubs like The Tipperary, an asset of both community value and historic significance, is a key priority for the City Corporation.

“I’m proud of the work that the City’s licensing committee is doing to help new venues establish themselves and thrive across the Square Mile. We look forward to the opening of new pubs and venues in the months and years ahead.”

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Principal director of Dominus Jay Ahluwalia said: "As a key part of Fleet Street’s heritage, re-opening The Tipperary is a milestone for this part of the city. By sensitively restoring the pub to its former glory, we have breathed life back into this cultural landmark, created valuable space for the local community and revived the streetscape.

"I’m incredibly grateful to our team for their hard work in meticulously preserving The Tipperary’s original features, which was so fundamental to saving this formerly at-risk pub. But there is more to come as we look to deliver further upgrades and safeguard a sustainable future for The Tipperary.”

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee Shravan Joshi said: “I’m delighted to see The Tipperary back open for City workers and visitors to enjoy.

"The pub has always been a vital asset in the City and it continues to play an important role in making the Square Mile an attractive place to develop and invest.

“The City Corporation’s planning team is focussing on creating an environment where pubs can flourish. Through planning policy and approving developments which provide that much needed cultural and visitor infrastructure, we will make the Square Mile a 7-day-a-week visitor destination, for everyone.”